At least one economist worries we’ll be mostly poorer.
AP Photo/Go Nakamura
We asked four of our regular economics writers to examine a key theme they expect to flare up in 2018 and why.
There are signs that non-rich Americans are growing less tolerant of tax cuts that mainly boost the wealthy’s bottom line.
Reuters//Eduardo Munoz
Historically, wishful thinking has blunted pushback.
Changes to the tax code may strike a blow to the charitable world.
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Giving could decline by $21 billion or more per year.
A big part of that check is being drawn from middle-class accounts.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
The American middle class has been on a rocky ride during the 20th century, surging after World War II but falling since the 1980s. The Republican tax plan may be its death knell.
Just a little obstruction at the Senate.
Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
Republicans were able to push through a tax plan and a flurry of judicial nominees after the Senate curtailed use of the filibuster. It’s time to go all the way.
Sen. Chuck Grassley recently seemed to suggest some poor people spend all their money on “booze or women or movies.”
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
As the GOP prepares to slash spending to pay for tax cuts, lawmakers have been bringing up claims about the poor that don’t stand up to scrutiny.
Financial aid would be doled out differently under the proposed PROSPER Act.
Karin Hildebrand Lau / Shutterstock.com
The proposed PROSPER Act would change the way student financial aid is doled out and how student loans are paid back.
The Capitol is lit up at dawn on Nov. 30, 2017 as Senate Republicans work to pass their sweeping tax bill.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
If you own property and make less than US$200,000, the Republican tax overhaul is likely going to eliminate a tax deduction you use.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, left, leads a round of applause after his colleagues took a step toward changing the tax code.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
More than US$20 billion per year in giving is potentially at stake.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
If Americans become less healthy and have less access to health care, then everyone loses.
Protesters shout their disapproval of the Republican tax bill on Nov. 28, 2017.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
If Republicans don’t cut taxes on the wealthy when they have control of both houses of Congress and the presidency, what do they live for?
Protesters voice their disapproval of the Republican tax bill on Capitol Hill.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Far from dispelling the notion among Americans that the system is ‘rigged’ against them, Republican tax plans are more likely to make matters worse.
If a House provision gets enacted, churches will be able to endorse – not just pray for – political candidates.
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A provision in the House’s pending tax bill would let religious and secular nonprofits engage in political speech without facing a penalty.
Soldiers deliver food and water following Hurricane Maria.
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Two hurricanes in Puerto Rico’s past fundamentally transformed the island’s economy and politics. Maria will be the third, says a historian.
U.S. President Donald Trump has taught the world many lessons since his time in office – mostly on how not to govern.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump has shown us a great deal in his short time on the political stage. For that, we should be grateful. Here are the lessons taught by Prof. Trump.
President Donald Trump talks with residents during a tour a neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Maria, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
REUTERS/Alvin Baez
Puerto Rico has focused significant efforts on branding – but at what cost?
Is it time for Congress to act?
Noclip
As the issue of an open and free internet again comes up for public debate, Congress could participate – and help regulators devise a workable set of policies.
A naturalization ceremony in Los Angeles.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
As Congress takes up the issue of immigration, we turned to our global network of scholars to get their perspective on how points systems work.
Relatively few homes hit by Harvey have flood insurance.
Reuters/Carlo Allegri
The federal government created a program in 1968 to insure homes in the US from flooding, yet few of the houses hammered by Harvey’s record rainfall were covered.
Democrats call for Republicans to stand up to President Trump’s DACA decision.
AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Congress has an opportunity to build on DACA’s success. An immigration expert explains how.